In the News:

New Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Blog

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve has a new blog! Through this site, our goal is to provide the public with a steady stream (pun intended) of information in topics relevant to the life of TCNP, ranging from history and the environment, to events and support opportunities. We have a fantastic group of contributing authors volunteering their time to help make this blog possible. Weekly updates are scheduled, with occasional bonus posts of supplemental materials. Click here to see the blog.

Living History at Turkey Creek

As part of its ongoing public education programs @ Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, BSC's Southern Environmental Center is partnering with Turkey Creek Long Rifles on a series of Living History demonstration weekends in 2013. These family friendly events feature story telling, cooking, flintlock musket simulations, and much much more. For additional information, contact TCNP Manager Charles Yeager.

Turkey Crees Nature Preserve Featured on CBS 42

CBS 42 recently visited Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Click the link below to see more of the Creek in this short video:
CBS 42 at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Darter Phest at Good People Brewery

On Thursday, August 23, 2012, the SEC hosted the first Darter Phest at Good People Brewery. The event was held to promote awareness of Birmingham's Endangered Watercress Darter and to raise funds to support darter programs. For more information and pictures from the night, click on http://bhamdarter.com/.

Float Your Boat 2012

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve ;hosted its third annual Float Your Boat on Saturday, July 21, 2012. This fun-filled, family event featured balsam wood boat races on a newly-designed race course, food, entertainment, and prizes. An estimated 300 people attended, and the event raised nearly $2400 in support of TCNP's environmental education and youth outreach programs - more than three times the amount raised in 2011!!

Catherine Sims EcoScape Dedicated in Homewood on Friday, May 4

The Southern Environmental Center formally dedicated the Catherine Sims EcoScape at 908 Highland Road in Homewood on Friday, May 4 at 2 pm. Catherine Sims was a BSC alum and was affectionately known as the Plant Lady of Edgewood. In her will, she stipulated that her property be deeded to the City of Homewood with the provision that it be utilized as a botanical garden. After an extended labor of love, the SEC has transformed Catherine's five city lots back to much of their former glory. State Representative Paul DeMarco, Homewood Mayor McBrayer, and others from Homewood along with BSC representatives were on hand for the event. Pictured left to right are Councilman David Hooks, Mayor Scott McBrayer, Kimberly Sharkin, and Erin Stephenson.

2012 Clean Energy Conference at BSC

On Thursday, April 26, the Southern Environmental Center will host a Clean Energy Conference in Harbert Auditorium. For detailed information about the event, click here. In the Harbert Courtyard, CommuteSmart will be on hand from 8A -3P promoting carpooling, walking, biking, and transit for Birmingham-Southern students, staff, and faculty. There will also be alternative fuel vehicles on display. Secondly, BSC folks are eligible for free vehicle emission testing in the parking lot behind Harbert. If you have a vehicle emission issue and your car meets the proper criteria, you will be eligible for up to $500 in free repairs. For more information, call 205-226-4934.

Southern Environmental Center receives GRO1000 Grassroots Grant

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company recently awarded SEC a $500 grant as part of the company's commitment to develop 1,000 gardens and green spaces in the U.S., Canada and Europe. ScottsMiracle-Gro will celebrate its 150 anniversary in 2018, and developed the grassroots grant program in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Garden Writers Association, National Gardening Association, and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. SEC will use the funds in support of its community EcoScape program.

New Website for Natural Areas in Birmingham

The Urban Environmental Studies Program at Birmingham-Southern has launched Trek Birmingham (www.trekbirmingham.com), an online educational and recreational resource about the natural areas and nature education centers in the greater Birmingham area. Phase I of the project offers authoritative information about the ecology, geology, biodiversity, and watersheds of Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Site, Southern Environmental Center, Vulcan Park and Museum, Moss Rock Preserve, and Oak Mountain State Park. Other local destinations will be added as the site grows over time. The website was funded through grants and donations to the college from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Alabama Power, 3M, and the Stephens Foundation. BSC’s Dr. Scot Duncan, associate professor of biology, Dr. Ed Brands, assistant professor of geography, and Jeanne Jackson, director of the Hess Center for Leadership and Service, were instrumental in development of the site. Visit the site at www.trekbirmingham.com, and read more at News@BSC.

Nifty gift ideas!

Get a great deal and help protect Turkey Creek Nature Preserve at the same time. Click here to see the merchandise!

WBHM's Tapestry Interview

Have you ever been walking down the street, noticed something in the trash, and thought - you know, in the right hands, that junk could "BE" something? That's the inspiration for the "found art" exhibits at the Southern Environmental Center on the campus of Birmingham Southern College. The center's director - Roald Hazelhoff - takes us on a tour.

Interview with Roald Hazelhoff or www.wbhm.org/Tapestry/

See the "found art" described and take a virtual tour of the making of the Environmental Center.

Healing Gardens

Many in the healthcare industry are touting the therapeutic value of healing gardens. The American Horticulture Therapy Association says that these specialized gardens are becoming increasingly common around the U.S. Among their benefits: stimulating memory and alleviating depression. Those pluses are especially helpful for a group of senior adults living at the Princeton Towers in Birmingham's Arlington-West End neighborhood. Gigi Douban has the story.

http://www.wbhm.org/Tapestry/Mar29-07.html#HealingGardens

Bama Environmental Newsletter

BEN is Alabama's first online environmental newsletter. Written and published by Pat Byington. BEN reaches more than 2000 environmental advocates weekly. Since BEN was founded in August 1998, more than 60 editions have been published with over 300 Alabama issues related stories being highlighted.

People interested in BEN can subscribe to the service at http://bamanews2.blogspot.com/ The newsletter is free.